T1 Diabetes and DOT

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Causey842, Sep 1, 2010.

  1. Sep 1, 2010 #1
    Causey842

    Causey842 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 1, 2010
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    Hi all,

    Last year I started working for a company and part of the job would include on occasion driving a small truck (the size of a uhaul). The company asked that I obtain a DOT medical card because apparently in Massachusetts you need a medical card to drive the truck. I was told at the physical I could not obtain the medical card because i was type 1 insulin dependent. I didnt think it was a huge issue but turns out i am no longer promotable within the company because i cannot drive. I was recently transfered to Vermont where I was told because I was based out of Vermont I would not need a DOT medical card, just a certification. However, now the companies DOT compliance dept is fighting that.

    Basically my questions are,

    Do I need a DOT medical card to drive a truck the size of a uhaul, and does this make a difference between Vermont and Mass and if the company chooses to be DOT compliant even though from my understanding there not required to because of the gross weight of the truck?

    If it turns out I do what is the liklihood of me passing a dot physical regardless if i chose to omit be a diabetic on the pre medical report. My diabetes is in great shape and last a1c check was 5.1 and they couldnt tell from the urine because i can put my BG right on point.

    Other then lying do I have any legal options to obtain a dot medical card? Like I said i have no real interest in driving and i probably rarely will its just the fact that I cant get a DOT that has put me on a company #### list, I just need off the list to have a chance at promotion.

    Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks.
     
    Causey842, Sep 1, 2010
    Causey842, Sep 1, 2010
    #1
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  3. Sep 1, 2010 #2
    Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    The requirement for a medical card is a commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 lbs. It is a federal law. The state laws are only for intra state rules.


    Diabetes and Insulin Dependence is the problem and stops you from getting the certification.

    However, there is a waiver program for this you might check out.
     
    Roadmedic, Sep 1, 2010
    Roadmedic, Sep 1, 2010
    #2
  4. Sep 2, 2010 #3
    Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    http://www.askthetrucker.com/insulin-diabetes-and-the-cdl-truck-driver/

    and you haven't really any legal "options", you either get the card as per your company policy or you walk the unemployment lines. you WILL NOT dictate to your company what you will do. and DO NOT hide this information about your diabetes........you are already on file.
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2010
    Rerun8963, Sep 2, 2010
    Rerun8963, Sep 2, 2010
    #3
  5. Sep 3, 2010 #4
    rayodeluz

    rayodeluz Heavy Load Member

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    This may be a dumb question, but are there commercial driving jobs out there that do not require a medical card or a DOT physical? What commercial vehicles would weigh 10,000 lbs. or less? Delivery trucks, like for bread, beverages (like Pepsi or something), junk foods, etc.? I have a history of high blood pressure, but it can be controlled by medication. Still, the thought of getting rejected for this reason after spending money and time to go to school discourages me from pursuing this career. And do you have to go to a special place for as DOT physical, or can any doctor perform it as long as he knows the standards and what's required. Before doing anything I'd rather first take a physical to be sure I could pass. I wouldn't want my career to end before it even started because I couldn't pass. Thank you!
     
    rayodeluz, Sep 3, 2010
    rayodeluz, Sep 3, 2010
    #4
  7. Sep 3, 2010 #5
    Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    All of the trucks you mentioned have a gvwr rating over 10,001 lbs.

    I imagine there might be such types of jobs available, but do not have any clues. Research in your area and find out.

    As far as getting a DOT physical, they run about 60.00 and can be obtained by anyone. You do not have to have a cdl to get one if you want to try and see.
     
    Roadmedic, Sep 3, 2010
    Roadmedic, Sep 3, 2010
    #5
    rayodeluz Thanks this.
  8. Sep 20, 2011 #6
    diabetes86

    diabetes86 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 20, 2011
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    I see this thread is over a year old but the info is still good.

    As mentioned you can get a diabetic waiver for your medical card for CDL.
     
    diabetes86, Sep 20, 2011
    diabetes86, Sep 20, 2011
    #6
  9. Sep 18, 2012 #7
    doorhauler

    doorhauler Bobtail Member

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    Sep 18, 2012
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    Do not lie about using insulin. If you have a wreck and it comes out your diabetic with insulin you could end up in deep doodoo. Jail,fines and maybe sued. Go to your endo and they can help you get the waiver and then you can drive what ever. Its a pain in the ### and means a lot of hoops to jump through. Good luck.
     
    doorhauler, Sep 18, 2012
    doorhauler, Sep 18, 2012
    #7
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